Are you wondering about a career as a *Structured Finance Consultant at EY? This article dives deep into what this role entails, the skills you'll need, and what makes EY a great place to build your career in structured finance. We'll cover everything from the day-to-day responsibilities to the qualifications EY looks for, providing you with a comprehensive overview. Whether you're a recent graduate, an experienced professional looking to switch gears, or simply curious about the field, this guide is for you.

What Does a Structured Finance Consultant at EY Do?

As a Structured Finance Consultant at EY, you're essentially a financial problem-solver. You'll be working on complex transactions, helping clients navigate the intricate world of structured finance. But what does that really mean? Let's break it down.

First off, structured finance itself is all about creating and managing complex financial instruments. Think about things like asset-backed securities (ABS), mortgage-backed securities (MBS), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and other similar deals. These aren't your everyday stocks and bonds; they involve pooling assets together and then creating different tranches, each with its own risk and return profile.

As a consultant, you'll be involved in various stages of these transactions. This could include:

• Deal Origination: Helping clients identify opportunities to create structured finance products.
• Structuring: Designing the financial structure of the deal, including determining the different tranches, their credit ratings, and the cash flow waterfalls.
• Due Diligence: Conducting thorough reviews of the underlying assets to assess their quality and risk.
• Valuation: Determining the fair market value of the structured finance products.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the transactions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the transactions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

So, a typical day might involve analyzing financial data, building financial models, writing reports, presenting findings to clients, and collaborating with other EY professionals, such as tax advisors, lawyers, and industry specialists. You might be working on a securitization of auto loans one week and advising a client on a real estate financing deal the next. The variety is a big part of what makes this role so engaging.

Communication is key. You'll need to be able to explain complex financial concepts to clients who may not have a deep understanding of structured finance. This means being able to translate technical jargon into plain English and tailoring your communication style to your audience. You'll also need to be a strong team player, as you'll be working closely with colleagues from different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience.

Problem-solving is at the heart of what you do. Every transaction is different, and you'll need to be able to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges. This might involve finding innovative ways to structure a deal, identifying hidden risks, or developing solutions to complex regulatory issues. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and think on your feet is essential.

Skills and Qualifications EY Looks For

Okay, so you're interested in becoming a Structured Finance Consultant at EY. What skills and qualifications do you need to make the cut? EY looks for a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and soft skills. Let's break down the key areas:

• Educational Background: A bachelor's or master's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field is typically required. Some candidates may also have a professional certification such as a CFA or FRM.
• Technical Skills: A strong understanding of financial modeling, valuation techniques, and structured finance concepts is essential. You should be comfortable working with financial data and using tools like Excel, Bloomberg, and other financial software. Knowledge of programming languages like Python or R can also be a plus.
• Analytical Skills: You need to be able to analyze complex financial information, identify trends, and draw conclusions. This requires strong critical thinking skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Communication Skills: As mentioned earlier, communication is key. You need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. This includes being able to present findings to clients, write reports, and explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Structured finance is all about solving complex problems. You need to be able to think creatively, identify potential risks, and develop innovative solutions.
• Teamwork Skills: You'll be working as part of a team, so you need to be able to collaborate effectively with others. This includes being able to listen to different perspectives, share your ideas, and work towards a common goal.
• Attention to Detail: Structured finance transactions are complex and involve a lot of moving parts. You need to be able to pay close attention to detail and ensure that everything is accurate.
• Professionalism: EY is a professional services firm, so you need to be able to conduct yourself in a professional manner. This includes dressing appropriately, being punctual, and treating others with respect.

Beyond these core skills, EY also looks for candidates who are motivated, eager to learn, and have a strong work ethic. They want people who are passionate about structured finance and are willing to put in the effort to succeed.

Previous experience in structured finance is a plus, but it's not always required. EY often hires recent graduates and provides them with the training and development they need to succeed. However, if you have experience in a related field, such as investment banking, asset management, or credit risk, that can definitely give you an edge.

Why Choose EY for Structured Finance?

So, why choose EY for your structured finance career? Well, there are several compelling reasons. EY is one of the leading professional services firms in the world, with a strong reputation for excellence and innovation. They have a global network of professionals and a diverse client base, which means you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and gain exposure to different industries and markets.

Here are some specific benefits of working at EY:

• Training and Development: EY invests heavily in training and development, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. They offer a variety of training programs, both online and in-person, covering topics such as financial modeling, valuation, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Career Growth: EY offers excellent opportunities for career growth. You can progress from a consultant to a senior consultant, manager, senior manager, and eventually partner. They also offer opportunities to specialize in a particular area of structured finance, such as securitization, real estate finance, or infrastructure finance.
• Mentorship and Sponsorship: EY has a strong culture of mentorship and sponsorship. You'll be paired with a senior professional who can provide you with guidance and support throughout your career. They also have programs in place to help you develop your leadership skills and build your network.
• Work-Life Balance: EY recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers a variety of programs and initiatives to help you manage your time effectively. This includes flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours.
• Culture: EY has a diverse and inclusive culture. They value diversity of thought and experience and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.

EY's commitment to innovation is another key differentiator. They are constantly exploring new technologies and approaches to help their clients solve complex problems. This means you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and develop new skills.

The firm's global reach is also a major advantage. You'll have the opportunity to work with clients from all over the world and gain exposure to different cultures and business practices. This can be a valuable asset in today's globalized economy.

Day-to-Day Life as a Consultant

Let's paint a clearer picture of what your day-to-day life might look like as a Structured Finance Consultant at EY. Remember, every day is different, and your specific tasks will depend on the project you're working on. However, here's a general idea:

• Morning: You might start your day by checking your email and catching up on any industry news. Then, you might have a team meeting to discuss the progress of your current project and plan the day's activities. This could involve reviewing financial models, analyzing data, or preparing presentations.
• Afternoon: You might spend the afternoon working on client deliverables. This could involve writing reports, building financial models, or conducting due diligence. You might also have meetings with clients to discuss the project's progress and answer their questions.
• Evening: Depending on the project, you might need to work late to meet deadlines. This could involve finalizing reports, preparing presentations, or conducting additional research.

A significant portion of your time will be spent in front of a computer, analyzing data, building models, and writing reports. However, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to interact with clients and colleagues.

Travel can also be a part of the job, especially if you're working on projects that require you to be on-site with the client. This could involve traveling to different cities or even different countries.

The pace of work can be demanding, especially during peak periods. However, EY offers a supportive work environment and encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

You'll be constantly learning and developing new skills, as the world of structured finance is constantly evolving. This means you'll need to be proactive about your own professional development and take advantage of the training and development opportunities that EY offers.

Final Thoughts

A career as a Structured Finance Consultant at EY can be incredibly rewarding. It's a challenging but exciting field that offers opportunities for growth, learning, and making a real impact. If you're passionate about finance, have strong analytical skills, and are looking for a dynamic and challenging career, then this could be the perfect path for you. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of what this role entails and what it takes to succeed. Good luck!